More than 3,800 young people across the Finger Lakes region will benefit from safe and enriching summer programs, thanks to a $1 million investment from United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes.
United Way announced the funding on Friday, supporting 30 local organizations through its Community Impact Fund. The initiative aims to address summer learning loss and provide inclusive programming that supports academic and social-emotional growth.
“When our youth have the opportunities to thrive, we thrive as a community,” said Robert DeLeon, United Way’s director of community impact. “We are deeply committed to ensuring youth have access to safe, enriching, and inclusive programming during the summer months.”
This year’s investment surpasses 2024’s totals, making United Way the second-largest summer program funder in the six-county region. Nine funding partners used a shared application process to streamline access and enhance collaboration.
Programs were chosen for their excellence in key areas, including arts, recreation, trauma-informed care, academic enrichment, and outcome-driven evaluations. The selected recipients range from local community centers to school districts and youth development organizations.
Some of the 2025 grant recipients include the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester, Horizons at Harley, Urban League of Rochester, and YMCA of Greater Rochester.
The grants are made possible through United Way’s annual campaign, which fuels year-round nonprofit services across the region.
To learn more or to donate, visit unitedwayrocflx.org.

